| Introduction
For
your convenience, the Office of Human Resources has gathered some answers to the
questions most frequently asked by employees and applicants. The questions have
been organized by category. Click on one of the categories below to see a list
of related questions and answers.
Whenever you wish to return to this menu, click on "Return to Top."
This page will be occasionally updated with additional categories as new questions
and answers are included, so check back often.
| Benefits |
| Question:
What happens to my benefits and deductions if I am on a leave of absence without
pay? Answer:
While you are on an unpaid leave of absence, most of your benefits will continue
unless you request that they stop. (Retirement plan contributions are made only
if you are paid; consequently, there will be no contributions if you are not paid.)
Double deductions will be taken from your pay when you return to work from a leave
that is for less than 3 months. During a longer leave, you will be billed directly
for your portion of the cost of the benefit. See Life
Events for more information about taking
a leave of absence. [Return
to Top] Question:
How do I change my beneficiary designations for my benefit plans?
Answer: You
may change your beneficiary designation at any time by completing a Beneficiary
Designation form, which is available in the Forms/Print
Library. The form should be completed and submitted directly to the Boston
University Office of Human Resources, 25 Buick Street, Boston, MA 02215. [Return
to Top] Question:
When can I change health plans? Answer:
You may change health plans at open enrollment, which is generally held in
the Spring of each year. The Office of Human Resources will send you an announcement,
notifying you of the opportunity to make a change in your health plan coverage
at that time. Otherwise, you may make a change in your health plans only if you
have a qualifying
change in status during the year. [Return
to Top] Question:
How do I change my Primary Care Physician (PCP)?
Answer:
Contact Member Services at your health plan directly. You may contact Blue Cross
Blue Shield at 1-800-814-4371; Boston Medical Center Preferred at 1-888-333-4742.
[Return
to Top] Question:
When is open enrollment for the benefit plans? Answer:
The open enrollment period for the Health Plan and Personal & Family Accident
Insurance is in the Spring, usually during the month of April for changes to be
effective May 1st. The open enrollment period for the Dental Health Plan and the
Reimbursement Accounts is held from the middle of November to the middle of December
for changes to be effective January 1st. If you don't make changes in coverage
during the open enrollment period, you will have to wait until the next year,
unless you have a qualifying
change in status during the year. [Return
to Top] Question:
Can I access my retirement plan savings to purchase a home?
Answer:
Your required contribution and the University's contribution to the Boston University
Retirement Plan are not accessible to you for any reason prior to age 65, while
you are employed at the University. However, you may withdraw funds from your
Supplemental Retirement
and Savings Plan to purchase your primary home. You will be required to pay
a 10% tax penalty plus ordinary income tax on any
funds withdrawn prior to age 59½, per Internal Revenue Service regulations.
[Return
to Top] Question:
How do I change the investment of my retirement plan funds?
Answer:
You may change your fund allocation within Fidelity or TIAA-CREF simply by calling
their customer service number, or you may establish a PIN (personal identification
number) online and make changes directly on the Fidelity
Web site or TIAA-CREF Web
site. [Return
to Top] Question:
As an eligible employee for Tuition Remission Assistance, am I allowed to
take classes during my regular work day? Answer:
If you are interested in taking a course that is scheduled during your regular
work day, your department chair or supervisor must sign your Tuition Remission
form in order for the benefit to be approved. Please note that the University
reserves the right to refuse to allow an employee to attend a class under the
Tuition Remission Program if it conflicts with work schedules or with the needs
of the department. For additional information concerning the Tuition Remission
Program, please consult the Faculty and Staff Benefits Handbook. Employees who
are represented by collective bargaining agreements should also consult the appropriate
Union contract.
[Return
to Top] Question:
When are
taxes withheld from my paycheck for graduate tuition remission benefits?
Answer:
Taxes are withheld from April through August for courses taken during the Spring
semester, in September and October for courses taken during the Summer sessions,
and in November and December for courses taken during the Fall semester. [Return
to Top]
|
| Employment |
| Question:
As a current Boston University employee, when am I eligible to apply for a
promotion or transfer within
the University? Answer:
An employee who has successfully completed six months of continuous service in
his or her current position is eligible to apply for a promotion or transfer within
the University. For additional information, please refer to Policy
#203 in the Personnel
Policy Manual. Employees who are represented by collective bargaining agreements
and have questions concerning promotions and transfers should refer to the appropriate
Union contract. [Return
to Top]
Question:
How long must a vacancy remain in the University
Job Posting before it can be filled? Answer:
All posted vacancies must remain in the University
Job Bulletin for at least five working days before an offer of employment
can be extended. Openings for Local 2324-represented positions are considered
as internal vacancies during the first five working days of posting—during
which interviews are limited to qualified internal candidates only. Qualified
external candidates will not be referred until five working days have elapsed
from the date of posting. [Return
to Top] Question:
As a hiring supervisor, may I make an offer of employment for an opening on
my staff? Answer:
Hiring departments are not authorized to extend either written or verbal offers
of employment. Only the Office of Human Resources is authorized to extend an offer
of employment. For additional information concerning the filling of vacancies,
please refer to Policy
#102 in the Personnel
Policy Manual. [Return
to Top] Question:
I am a current Boston University employee seeking advice concerning my career
goals and possible promotional opportunities within the University. Is this type
of assistance available? Answer:
The Office of Human Resources is available to provide employees with career counseling;
advice in identifying possible promotional opportunities within the University;
and assistance in preparing or updating a resume. If you are a current employee
and would like to meet with a representative from the Office of Human Resources,
please contact the Employee Relations Section
at 617/353-4044 and an appointment will be scheduled for you to meet with your
Employee Relations Representative or an Employment Specialist. [Return
to Top] Question:
If I apply for a new position within the University, am I required to inform
my current supervisor? Answer:
Boston University employees who apply for a promotion or transfer must inform
their supervisors when an interview has been scheduled with the hiring department.
For additional information, please refer to Policy
#203 in the Personnel
Policy Manual. Employees who are represented by a collective bargaining agreement
should refer to the appropriate Union
contract. [Return
to Top] Question:
I just applied for a job with Boston University. What happens next?
Answer:
If you applied for a grade 20 - 26 position, your application will be reviewed
by a Personnel Employment Specialist. Resumes and cover letters for grade 40 -
82 positions will be forwarded to departmental hiring managers upon receipt. Custodial
and trades applications will be reviewed at the Office of Human Resources and
forwarded to hiring managers at the Physical Plant. Police applications are forwarded
directly to University Police. In
all cases, if interest develops in your candidacy, you will be contacted by an
Employee Relations Representative or Employment Specialist from the Office of
Human Resources to arrange an interview. [Return
to Top] Question:
How long are job applications maintained as active with the Office of Human
Resources? Answer:
Applications are considered active for a period of 60 days from the date of receipt. [Return
to Top]
|
| Equal
Opportunity | |
Question: Where
can I find a copy of Boston University's Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action
Policy? Answer:
The Equal Opportunity/Affirmative
Action Policy may be found in the Policies
and Procedures section of this web site. [Return
to Top] Question:
Where can I find a copy of Boston University's Sexual Harassment Policy?
Answer:
The Sexual Harassment
Policy may be found in the Policies
and Procedures section of this web site. [Return
to Top] Question:
How can I request a reasonable accommodation for a disability?
Answer:
A student with a disability who is seeking academic accommodation should contact
the Office of Disability
Services for assistance. A student who is seeking accommodation related to
on-campus employment should follow the guidelines below for employees. An
employee with a disability, either faculty or staff, who wishes to request a reasonable
accommodation should discuss the situation with his or her supervisor. The employee
should inform the supervisor of the limitations presented by the disability, of
the way in which the employee believes these limitations impact his or her ability
to perform the job, and of any accommodation(s) that he or she believes would
be of assistance. The employee may also contact the Office
of Equal Opportunity for assistance, either before or after discussing the
matter with the supervisor. The
process of evaluating the functional limitations of a disability as they relate
to the employee's ability to do the job, and determining what, if any, reasonable
accommodation(s) might be helpful is an interactive one. It will generally include
the employee, the supervisor, and/or the Equal Opportunity Officer, and if necessary
it may include the employee's medical provider(s), the Office
of Environmental Health and Safety, the Occupational
Health Center, and/or other offices or individuals who can be helpful in identifying
and providing appropriate accommodations. Information provided by the employee
regarding the disability will be kept confidential, except that it will be provided
to those individuals who need to know it in order to evaluate the situation and
implement any appropriate accommodation(s). [Return
to Top]
|
| General
Office of Human Resources Questions |
| Question:
I lost my Terrier (BU ID) Card. How can I get a replacement?
Answer:
If your Terrier Card has been lost or damaged, you may obtain a replacement card
at the Office of Human Resources, 25 Buick Street, 2nd Floor, OR at the Terrier
Card Office at the George Sherman Union, 775 Commonwealth Avenue, Lower Level.
Cards are issued on a walk-in basis during normal business hours at both locations.
While there is no charge for an employee's initial identification card or badge,
a $30.00 fee is charged for replacements. For additional information concerning
Boston University identification cards, please refer to Policy
#104.2 in the Personnel
Policy Manual. Employees who are represented by collective bargaining agreements,
should refer to the appropriate Union
contract. [Return
to Top]
Question:
If I have a question regarding my weekly or monthly paycheck or regarding
my W-2 Form, who should I contact? Answer:
If you have a question concerning your paycheck, you should speak to the Payroll
Coordinator in your department or school. If the Payroll Coordinator is unable
to answer your question, he or she will contact the Payroll Department on your
behalf. For questions regarding your W-2 form, please contact the Payroll Office
directly at 617/353-2270. [Return
to Top] Question:
What is the process for hiring temporaries through outside agencies?
Answer:
Upon receiving approval within the department in need of temporary assistance,
contact Eileen Kaminsky at 617/353-4470. The
Office of Human Resources is responsible for arranging all temporary hires through
outside agencies. The request for a temporary must include a brief job description,
duration of the assignment, work hours for the assignment, and the departmental
contact person. Time sheets will be completed by the temporary employee and a
bill will be generated by the temporary employment agency. The bill will be reviewed
by the Office of Human Resources and forwarded to the department for approval
and payment. [Return
to Top]
|
| Policies
and Procedures | |
Question: As
a supervisor or manager, how do I know which policies govern the employees on
my staff? Answer:
Non-exempt and non-faculty staff are governed by the policies and procedures outlined
in the Personnel Policy Manual.
Employees who are represented by collective bargaining agreements are governed
by the policies contained in the appropriate Union
contract. Copies of these agreements along with a description of the employee
groups they represent are located in the Policies
and Procedures section of this site. If
you have any questions regarding the interpretation of the policies outlined in
the Personnel Policy Manual
or in any of the collective
bargaining agreements, or if you have any questions or issues concerning one
of your employees, please contact your Employee Relations Representative in the
Office of Human Resources at 617/353-4044. You may also contact Marilyn
Walsh, Director of Employee Relations, Employment and Training at 617/353-4720.
[Return
to Top] Question:
As a newly hired Boston University employee, when am I eligible to use my
accrued vacation leave? Answer:
Employees are eligible to use their accrued Vacation Leave after completing three
months of continuous service. For additional information regarding Vacation Leave
accrual and usage, please refer to Policy
#301 in the Personnel
Policy Manual. Employees who are represented by collective bargaining agreements
should refer to the appropriate Union
contract. [Return
to Top]
Question:
When am I eligible to use my accrued sick leave?
Answer:
Employees are eligible to use their accrued Sick Leave after completing three
months of continuous service. During the first three months of service, time off
that would normally be taken as Sick Leave will be taken as Unpaid Time Off. For
additional information regarding Sick Leave accrual and usage, please refer to
Policy #302 in
the Personnel Policy Manual.
Employees who are represented by collective bargaining agreements should refer
to the appropriate Union
contract. [Return
to Top] Question:
When am I eligible to take a Family and Medical Leave. How do I apply?
Answer:
Employees are eligible for Family
and Medical Leave (FMLA) if they have been employed by Boston University for
at least one year prior to the start of the leave; if they are scheduled to work
at least 50% of the time; and if they meet one of the qualifying events under
the FMLA. For additional information concerning the FMLA and other categories
of leaves of absence available to eligible employees, please refer to the Personnel
Policy Manual. Employees
who are represented by collective bargaining agreements should refer to the appropriate
Union contract
for additional information regarding leaves of absence. Family
and Medical Leave forms are available in your department or school; by calling
the Office of Human Resources at 617/353-4044; or from the Forms/Print Library
at this web site.
[Return
to Top] Question:
If I am required to report to work during an emergency
closing because I am considered "essential personnel", will I receive
additional compensation for that day? Answer:
Non-represented/non-exempt staff who are required to work during an Emergency
Closing are eligible for one and one-half hours of compensatory time off for each
non-overtime hour worked during such closing. Exempt employees who are required
to work during an Emergency Closing are eligible for one hour of compensatory
time for each hour worked during such closing. Non-represented/non-exempt staff
and exempt staff should refer to Policy
#311 in the Personnel
Policy Manual for additional information regarding Emergency Closing. Employees
represented by collective bargaining agreements who are required to work during
an Emergency Closing should refer to the appropriate Union
contract regarding compensation for hours worked during an Emergency Closing.
[Return
to Top] The
following subsection of questions and answers relate to Worker's Compensation
and the Return to Work program for those employees with work-related injuries.
For more information about this program, please consult the Risk
Management web site and the Return
to Work Policy in the Policies
and Procedures section of this site. Question:
When do my Worker's Compensation checks start?
Answer: You should expect a decision on your claim within 14 days from the
date the third party administrator receives the first report of injury form. Question:
Where do I go if the Occupational
Health Center is closed when my accident occurs?
Answer: If the accident occurs when the Occupational
Health Center is closed, go to any area hospital or your primary care doctor.
You must call the Occupational
Health Center Call-In Line within 24 hours to schedule an appointment at the
Occupational Health Center. Question:
Can I receive ongoing treatment for my work-related injury through the Occupational
Health Center?
Answer: Yes; if you elect to do so. Question:
If I am able to return to work with restrictions, will I be able to return
to work?
Answer: The University will make every effort to accommodate restrictions
that allow an employee to return to work. Question:
If I am released to return to work only on a part-time basis, will I be compensated
for my lost wages?
Answer: Yes; worker's compensation will pay you 60% of the difference between
your earnings prior to the injury and your current earnings. [Return
to Top]
|
| Retired
Faculty and Staff | |
Question: How
do I obtain a Retiree ID card? Answer:
Send a written request stating that you are a retiree with your name, address,
social security number, and home phone number to the Office of Human Resources.
Your ID card will be mailed to you after we verify your status as a retired Boston
University faculty or staff member. Alternatively, you may come to the Office
of Human Resources at 25 Buick Street, 2nd Floor, during normal business hours
to obtain a new card. You will be asked to present identification. [Return
to Top] Question:
How do I sign up for free internet access through academic computing services
(ACS)? Answer:
Retirees may keep their ACS accounts for life. If you do not have an ACS account,
please set one up a few days before you leave. On your last day at work, you should
make sure that mail sent to you@bu.edu is being forwarded to your ACS account;
you can do this at www.bu.edu/computing/email/forwarding,
where you can also specify forwarding to any external mail account you may have.
If your BU mail account was on any server other than ACS, you should ask your
system administrator to make sure that any mail sent to that server is forwarded
to your ACS account, as well. The easiest way to read your ACS mail is through
the Web-based Horde mail program at www.bu.edu/webmail.
If you prefer to configure a desktop mail client on your home computer, you can
find instructions at www.bu.edu/pcsc/email/configure.
[Return
to Top] Question:
As a retiree, is it necessary to keep the University informed about my current
address and phone number? Answer:
YES! Occasionally it is necessary for the Office of Human Resources to mail important
benefits information to retirees. Also, events sponsored by the Society
of Retired Faculty and Staff are communicated by mail and telephone. Please
send all updates of your personal contact information to the Office of Human Resources,
25 Buick Street, Boston, MA 02215. [Return
to Top]
|
| Systems
and Records | | Question:
How do I update or make changes to my personal records on file with the Office
of Human Resources? Answer:
Information on your personal record can be changed through the Employee
Link on the web or on Galaxy (UIS) screens HR98 and HR99. The
following fields may be updated:
| Personal
Profile | Address
Information
| Family
Information | | Marital
Status | Home
Address | View
Only | | Ethnicity | Home
Phone # | (Contact
the | | Name* | Office
Address | Benefits
Section to | | Gender* | Office
Phone # | complete
updates.) | | Date
of Birth* | Emergency
Contact | | | | Emergency
Phone # | | *
VIEW ONLY - Contact your payroll coordinator to update your Name; contact the
Benefits Section to update your Date of Birth and Gender. [Return
to Top]
Question:
If I am applying for a home mortgage or need my employment status verified
for other reasons, who is the contact for this information?
Answer:
Eileen Kaminsky, Personnel Records Administrator, 617/353-4470, is available for
employment verifications on Monday through Friday, between 2:30 and 3:30 p.m.
eastern time. For any information beyond an employee's title, start date, and
termination date (if applicable), written authorization must be granted by the
employee. For Student Employment verifications, contact the Student
Employment Office at 617/353-3594. [Return
to Top] Question:
I am a current Boston University employee who would like to view a copy of
my job description. Who should I contact? Answer:
Copies of current job descriptions for non-faculty positions are maintained in
the Office of Human Resources. A copy of your current Job Description may be obtained
by contacting your Employee Relations Representative
in the Office of Human Resources at 617/353-4044. If you have any questions about
the duties described in your Job Description or if you would like your Job Description
reviewed, you should contact your immediate supervisor. [Return
to Top]
|
| Training |
| Question:
Does Boston University offer staff training programs? If so, where can I learn
more about these programs and how do I enroll?
Answer:
Yes, Boston University offers a variety of training programs that are available
to current staff members. These training programs include workshops and seminars
on University procedures, professional development, health promotion, and life
enhancement. Additional information regarding these training programs, including
registration information, can be found by visiting the Training
Section of this site. [Return
to Top] |
| Web
Site/Technical | |
Question:
What browsers does the site support? Answer:
This site will support Internet Explorer 4.0 and Netscape 4.0, or a more recent
version of either browser. The site will also support the AOL browser. [Return
to Top] Question:
Is there a way I can bookmark the site so I can find it easily in the future?
Answer:
Yes. It's easy to bookmark Web sites that you expect to visit frequently. The
process you need to follow depends on the browser you use. - If
you're using Microsoft Internet Explorer:
-
Return to the Home Page.
-
Click and hold on the word "Favorites" in the browser menu bar at the top of the
screen; move down the list displayed with your mouse until "Add To Favorites"
is highlighted in blue; and let go.
-
A box will come up on the screen with the name of the site.
-
Click on "OK" and the site is bookmarked.
-
Whenever you want to visit the site, go into "Favorites" and click on the site
name.
-
If you're using Netscape:
-
Return to the Home Page.
-
Click on the "Bookmarks" button on the browser toolbar.
-
Click on the words "Add Bookmark."
-
Whenever you want to visit the site, go into "Bookmarks" and click on the site
name.
[Return
to Top] Question:
What do I need in order to access this site at home?
Answer: All
you'll need is a computer that has Internet access and an ISP (Internet Service
Provider), such as AOL. If you don't have an ISP, there are many to choose from.
See the Yellow Pages in your local phone book for a list of ISPs that service
your area. As an active or retired faculty or staff member, you may also use the
academic computing system for internet access. You must set up a login account
and Kerberos password. For more information, refer to the Information
Technology web site. [Return
to Top] Question:
Are there any Web security issues I should be concerned about (e.g., logging in
with a password) with this site? Answer:
Currently, the Office of Human Resources Web site does not contain any personal
or private information. Therefore, you do not have to be concerned with entering
a password or other forms of Web security. However, security measures are incorporated
in the Employee Link (to which, there are links
from the Personnel site) to ensure that all personal data is protected. The Employee
Link contains screens allowing you to view your pay stub, enroll in the annual
Health Plan and Personal and Family Accident Insurance Plan, and make changes
to your personal information on file with the Office of Human Resources. You will
need an ACS login account and Kerberos password to access these pages. For more
information about setting up your account, refer to the Getting
Started section of the Employee Link. [Return
to Top] Question:
How does the search function work? Answer:
If you wish to look for a particular word or topic within the Office of Human
Resources site, simply enter your search query in the text field at the top of
the Personnel home page and click "Go."
A new page will open that will contain a list of links to all the pages where
your search query was found. Simply click on one of these links to open up any
of the selected pages. You will need to use the "Back" button to return
to the search query list. Similar searches are built in to each of the main sections
of this web site to find information just within specific sections. [Return
to Top] Question:
What is the "Index?" Answer:
The Index is a list of pages within each of the main sections of the Office of
Human Resources site. Each page is linked, organized alphabetically, and listed
by title. The Index is just another way to navigate this site to help you find
the information you seek. [Return
to Top] Question:
What can I expect to find in the "Forms/Print Library" feature?
Answer:
The Forms/Print Library feature contains links to various
sources of information and forms including: - Each
benefit plan description from the Faculty and Staff Benefits Handbook
- Important
benefit and other Personnel and Payroll forms, such as beneficiary designation,
enrollment forms, direct deposit forms, etc.
- Various
benefit plan comparison charts and rate schedules
The
file format allows for easy viewing and printing of entire documents. However,
you must have the Adobe Acrobat Reader program installed on your computer to view
these files. See the Adobe
Acrobat Help Page for additional information. [Return
to Top] | |
